MEDIA RELEASE
5 November 2025
VENSTRAMEDICAL ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FROM HIGHCROFT CAPITAL TO ADVANCE DEVELOPMENT OF NEXT-GENERATION CARDIAC SUPPORT DEVICE
Newcastle, Australia, and Eden Prairie, MN — VenstraMedical, a cardiovascular medical device company, today announced that it has received a strategic investment from Highcroft Capital, a Minnesota-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage MedTech innovation. The investment will accelerate development of VenstraMedical’s next-generation percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) — a low-profile, full-flow cardiac support system designed to provide complete ventricular unloading for critically ill cardiac patients.
Highcroft Capital’s funding will be used to progress the VenstraMedical pVAD program toward first-in-human clinical trials. The company’s novel device aims to deliver powerful, minimally invasive circulatory support in both cardiogenic shock and high-risk coronary interventions.
Dr. Peter Eckman, Partner at Highcroft Capital, commented:
“We have been highly impressed with the VenstraMedical team and technology. As a physician-led investment group, we are excited to support the Venstra pVAD system and look forward to seeing it approved and used to save the lives of patients we treat every day. The system is designed to address a critical unmet clinical need through its unique combination of high flow and ease of use.”
VenstraMedical has developed what it believes to be the most powerful, low-profile, next-generation temporary cardiac assist device. The pVAD is a percutaneous, catheter-based blood pump protected by eight issued patents, capable of collapsing into a 9-French catheter for minimally invasive insertion. Once expanded across the aortic valve, the device provides up to 7 L/min of cardiac output, for full ventricular unloading and hemodynamic stability.
Dr. Martin Cook, Co-founder and CEO of VenstraMedical, added:
“It is particularly gratifying that a group consisting of practicing cardiologists and end-users of pVAD technology has chosen to support VenstraMedical’s program. Their endorsement underscores the impact we aim to make in transforming cardiac care.”
The Highcroft investment follows the publication of VenstraMedical’s pre-clinical results in the ASAIO Journal and presentation at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference.
The company also recently secured a $1 million grant from MTPConnect’s Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) — part of Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund — to advance its development pathway.
The global market for pVAD devices continues to expand rapidly, with first-generation devices generating over US$2 billion in annual revenue and double-digit growth. VenstraMedical’s next-generation design aims to redefine standards in temporary mechanical circulatory support through superior performance and ease of use.
About Highcroft Capital
Founded in 2016, Highcroft Capital is a venture capital firm based in Wayzata, Minnesota, focused on early-stage investments in MedTech companies. The Highcroft team of physician investors brings unparalleled clinical insight and deal flow access, uniquely positioned to evaluate companies both as investors and as end users of advanced medical technologies. Highcroft’s mission is to provide investors with access to transformative opportunities that advance the future of healthcare.
Bios
Martin Cook, PhD — Founder and CEO, VenstraMedical
Dr. Cook is a senior medical device industry executive with more than 25 years of experience in the development of mechanical circulatory support systems, including left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), intravascular pumps, counterpulsation devices, and total artificial hearts. He has authored numerous patents and publications, served as a reviewer for medical journals and grant applications, and has successfully led technologies from concept to regulatory approval in multiple jurisdictions. Dr. Cook is based in the Minneapolis MedTech hub.
Peter Eckman, MD — Partner and Investor Relations, Highcroft Capital
Dr. Eckman brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and clinical expertise to his role. He serves as Section Head of Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant and Critical Care Cardiology at the Minneapolis Heart Institute. A recognized leader in mechanical circulatory support, he was Section Editor of the ASAIO Journal and author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. His ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in cardiac care underscores his leadership within both clinical and investment communities.
Media Contact:
VenstraMedical
Email: info@venstramedical.com
Website: Venstramedical.com
Highcroft Capital
Email: info@highcroftcapital.com
Website: highcroftcapital.com